BJP sitting MPs: Decision on tickets this week

Speculations on whether the sitting MPs of the BJP from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Chikmagalur Lok Sabha constituency will get tickets for the elections is likely to end this week.

The speculations have been rife ever since Hindu firebrand leader Satyajith Suratkal and former JD(S) minister Jayaprakash Hegde declared that they were in the race for party tickets. While Suratkal had huge posters of his and the prime minister posted at every nook and corner of the city, Hegde had completed a round of consultations with senior BJP leaders in Udupi and Chikkamagaluru districts.

Fallout

Sources in the BJP told DH that although Nalin Kumar Kateel, sitting MP from Dakshina Kannada, had fallen out of favour with his one-time mentor and local RSS leader Dr Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, Kateel remains a strong contender for the party ticket.

“Kateel may have alienated local RSS leaders but enjoys a strong backing of RSS leaders who are in proximity with the BJP leadership,” party sources said, adding that, in all likelihood, Kateel will be fielded a third time from Dakshina Kannada.

In the Udupi Chickmagalur constituency, however, there is a strong incumbency factor against Shobha Karandlaje.

“An internal survey by the party members also revealed that the sailing would not be smooth if the party fielded Shobha Karandlaje. A decision has not been taken on denying her a ticket, as she has the strong support of BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa,” party sources said.

Decision on Friday

A final decision will be taken in this regard when the party leaders meet in the party office on Friday, the sources said.

Due to the uncertainty, election committees are yet to be set up in the constituencies. The party workers, however, have not waited for any formal announcement. They have begun approaching voters and distributing booklets highlighting the achievement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.